The main topic of conversation this week is the WEATHER. The vines’ development is delayed. We’re expecting a much later harvest this year. Some varieties, such as the Syrah (Shiraz) have yet to flower, such is the delay because of unusual cooler conditions.

Vines still need to be sprayed until the grapes have set. Wine growers in the hills forecast a vendange three to four weeks later than usual.

Here where we are, nearer the coast, we’ve also had cold winds, colder night time temperatures and rain like you wouldn’t believe.

Visitors find it hard to believe we get rainstorms like on this video. It pours from the roof and makes a river running out under the gate.

Here’s what also happens during storms. We lose our satellite television. Right in the middle of the French Open final!

 

Himself and I have continued our daily walks. And I’m still adding to my collection of photos in and around the vineyards.

Here are some pictures featuring grey skies, just so’s you can see we do get them sometimes!

 

 

 

 

Fortunately, when we do get bad weather, it doesn’t last too long. We know the sun will soon be showing its face again.

Here’s the latest close-ups on our Mademoiselle. I didn’t know the spider was there till I uploaded the photo.

After the rainstorm, the temperature rocketed. Yesterday, we notched up 31 degrees in the same place where the rain was bouncing off the floor a few days ago.

There’s hardly a cloud in the sky. We think the summer has finally begun.

And to prove it, here’s this morning’s sunrise. Follow the line of the sun to see what she’s lighting up – our Merlot!

It must be an omen.

 

Cheers!

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Coming soon on Wednesday Languedoc Vinewatch – an interview with a Master of Wine who now grows her own.